Notes for Teachers

This lesson was developed as a collaborative project between two colleagues at Abraham Lincoln High School.  It challenges students to discover how events in society influence the creative expressions of the times.

Learners

The 20th Century Creative Periods WebQuest is anchored in 12th grade language arts and involves social studies and humanities. Learners should demonstrate mastery of higher order thinking skills as well as  communication and presentation skills. 

California Language Arts Standards Addressed* - Grade 12

3.0 Literary Response and Analysis

3.5. Analyze recognized works of American literature representing a variety of genres and traditions:
a. Trace the development of American literature.
b. Contrast the major periods, themes, styles, and trends and describe how works by members of different cultures relate to one another in each period.
c. Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences of the historical period that shaped the characters, plots, and settings.

3.7 Analyze recognized works of world literature from a variety of authors:
a. Contrast the major literary forms, techniques, and characteristics of the major literary periods (e.g., Homeric Greece, medieval, romantic, neoclassic, modern).
b. Relate literary works and authors to the major themes and issues of their eras.
c. Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences of the historical period that shaped the characters, plots, and, settings.

2.0 Writing Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)

2.3 Deliver oral responses to literature:
a. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the significant ideas of literary works (e.g., make assertions about the text that are reasonable and supportable).
b. Analyze the imagery, language, universal themes, and unique aspects of the text through the use of rhetorical strategies (e.g., narration, description, persuasion, exposition, a combination of those strategies).
c. Support important ideas and viewpoints through accurate and detailed references to the text or to other works.
d. Demonstrate an awareness of the author's use of stylistic devices and an appreciation of the effects created.
e. Identify and assess the impact of perceived ambiguities, nuances, and complexities within the text.

2.4 Deliver multimedia presentations:
a. Combine text, images, and sound by incorporating information from a wide range of media, including films, newspapers, magazines, CD-ROMs, online information, television, videos, and electronic media-generated images.
b. Select an appropriate medium for each element of the presentation.
c. Use the selected media skillfully, editing appropriately and monitoring for quality.
d. Test the audience's response and revise the presentation accordingly.

Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills - Grade 12

Historical Interpretation

3. Students interpret past events and issues within the context in which an event unfolded rather than solely in terms of present-day norms and values.

National Education Technology Standards for Students

Resources Needed